If you are craving a dish that brings the perfect balance of rich, velvety sauce and tender, flavorful shrimp, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s an irresistible combination of succulent shrimp tossed in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish feels like a warm hug in every bite with its mix of textures and comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays an essential role in making this recipe shine. From the succulent shrimp to the creamy Parmesan sauce, every element adds a layer of flavor, texture, or freshness that comes together beautifully.
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine: The perfect base noodles, providing a delightful texture that holds the sauce well.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy, these seafood gems add a burst of protein and sweetness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the heart of this dish, infusing every bite with aromatic depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that silky, luscious sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp gorgeously.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp and creamy flavor, perfectly balancing the richness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the shrimp and garlic, providing a beautiful golden sear and subtle fruitiness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor with an herby warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors to life.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine until just al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. This slight firmness ensures the pasta holds up well once tossed in the creamy sauce, offering great texture without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper to bring out their natural sweetness. Cook the shrimp in the hot oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely pink and have a slight golden edge. This quick sauté locks in the shrimp’s juicy tenderness and builds the flavor foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Once the shrimp are cooked perfectly, push them to the side of your skillet. Add the minced garlic to the empty space and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it. This brief sauté releases the garlic’s natural oils and aroma, which is what makes this dish so addictively garlicky.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, gently stirring to combine it with the garlic and shrimp juices. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This step transforms the cream into a rich sauce that perfectly clings to pasta and shrimp alike, creating that signature silky consistency you’ll crave again and again.
Step 5: Incorporate Parmesan and Italian Seasoning
Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the cream, infusing the sauce with a wonderful nutty tang and herbal notes. This step is key for building the deep, layered flavor profile that defines this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the drained pasta back into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure every strand of pasta is coated in that gorgeous, creamy sauce. Sprinkle with fresh, chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of color and a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple but impactful, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley adds a lively green pop that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. You might also consider a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a subtle kick. A wedge of lemon on the side is a charming addition to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light, fresh side dishes like a crisp garden salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is a classic companion, perfect for scooping every last bit of that creamy, flavorful sauce. These sides bring balance and additional textures to round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the creamy garlic shrimp pasta in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh parsley on top and a drizzle of olive oil for extra sheen. Using long pasta like linguine or spaghetti allows for elegant twirling on the fork, making each bite as enjoyable visually as it is taste-wise. For a family-style gathering, present the pasta in a large, rustic serving dish, inviting everyone to dive right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a quick stir with a splash of cream or water before reheating will bring it back to that perfect consistency.
Freezing
Because of the delicate nature of seafood and creamy sauces, freezing the pasta is not highly recommended, as shrimp texture can suffer and the sauce might separate upon thawing. However, if you must freeze, do so in a tightly sealed container and consume within one month for best quality, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat this dish, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a small splash of water, broth, or cream to loosen up the sauce and avoid drying out the shrimp and pasta. Microwave reheating can be done but requires shorter intervals to prevent toughness and curdling of the cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Fresh or frozen shrimp will both work well for this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Is it okay to substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich and thick. Using cream cheese or Greek yogurt may work in a pinch, but the flavor profile will change.
What pasta can I use if I don’t have spaghetti or linguine?
Feel free to use any long pasta like fettuccine or tagliatelle. Even penne or rigatoni can work, though the eating experience will be slightly different. The key is to choose a pasta that holds the sauce well.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms work wonderfully added during the cooking process for an extra nutritional boost and flavor variety. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the sauce creamy.
How spicy is this pasta?
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is typically mild, focusing on creamy and garlicky flavors. If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes during the sauce step or as a garnish to tailor it to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe that keeps you coming back for more: its rich, comforting sauce paired with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but a satisfying way to treat yourself any day of the week. I encourage you to dive into this recipe and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil and tossed with al dente spaghetti in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside to be combined later.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the shrimp and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the cream mixture. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Shrimp: Combine the cooked and drained pasta with the sauce and shrimp in the skillet. Toss everything well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta before serving to add a fresh, herby flavor and a pop of color.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh shrimp and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper according to taste.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it.
- To make the dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten intolerances.
